Images Dated 18th September 2003

Loss of lung tissue, X-ray

Lung cavities. Coloured chest X-ray showing large cavities (dark red) in the lungs of a patient in a case of Wegener's granulomatosis. This is a rare vascular disorder where blood vessel inflammation (vasculitis) causes the formation of granuloma (inflammatory lesions). These lesions can form in the lungs, kidneys and nasal passages. The lesions can either help in repairing the tissue or cause further damage, leading to widespread tissue death (necrosis). The large cavities seen here are due to necrosis of lung tissue. Treatment is with high doses of steroids initially, and low doses for one year. If diagnosed early, most patients recover

© DU CANE MEDICAL IMAGING LTD/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

Northern Somalia & Gulf of Aden from space STS-55

The Horn of Africa. View of northern Somalia and the Gulf of Aden, seen from space. The Somali provinces of Sanaag, Bari and Nugaal are in this image. Two pale valleys are seen: the Dhuudo at centre and the Nugaal at centre left. Both of these valleys have rare seasonal water flows. The tip of Somalia is Cape Guardafui; to the south of this is the small peninsula of Raas Xaafuun, the easternmost point in Africa. To the north of Somalia is the Gulf of Aden. In the far distance are the light desert and dark mountains of Yemen in the south of the Arabian Peninsula. This image was taken by the crew of Shuttle Columbia during Mission STS-55 of 26 April to 6 May 1993

© NASA/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY